The Women of the Copper Country

By: Mary Doria Russell

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

From the bestselling and award-winning author of The Sparrow comes “historical fiction that feels uncomfortably relevant today” (Kirkus Reviews) about “America’s Joan of Arc”—the courageous woman who started a rebellion by leading a strike against the largest copper mining company in the world.

In July 1913, twenty-five-year-old Annie Clements has seen enough of the world to know that it’s unfair. She’s spent her whole life in the mining town of Calumet, Michigan, where men risk their lives for meager salaries—and have barely enough to put food on the table for their families. The women labor in the houses of the elite, and send their husbands and sons deep underground each day, dreading the fateful call of the company man telling them their loved ones aren’t coming home. So, when Annie decides to stand up for the entire town of Calumet, nearly everyone thinks she may have taken on more than she is prepared to handle.

Yet as Annie struggles to improve the future of her town, her husband becomes increasingly frustrated with her growing independence. She faces the threat of prison while also discovering a forbidden love. On her fierce quest for justice, Annie will see just how much she is willing to sacrifice for the families of Calumet.

From one of the most versatile writers in contemporary fiction, this novel is an authentic and moving historical portrait of the lives of the crucial men and women of the early labor movement “with an important message that will resonate with contemporary readers” (Booklist).

Critic reviews

"Cassandra Campbell narrates Russell's historical novel, which holds a mirror up to current affairs. Life is hard for everyone in Michigan's copper country in the early twentieth century; after yet another funeral, Annie Clements decides that enough is enough and organizes a strike. . . . [Campbell] does a good job with the various accents of the Calumet miners and townsfolk. Where Campbell especially shines is in her portrayal of Annie, who is ground down over the nine brutal months of the 1913–14 strike. Campbell illuminates her decline from an eager, idealistic young woman to a resigned, slightly bitter woman who is simply too exhausted to continue."

A story of one women role in the miners union.

Other the mispronounced name of Houston Michigan and pasty the reader did a good job. One women's story for growth as a union organizer is very entertaining.

Enlightening Story of 1913-14 Copper Country Strike

I am a “ Michigander” (I prefer Michiganian) whose Father was born and raised by a family with deep roots in the Upper Peninsula (UpNorth) in L’Anse & graduated from Michigan Tech University, Houghton. My parental relatives made twice a year pilgrimages UpNorth to visit relatives, indulge in delicious pasties & return with some token of Copper & Mackinaw fudge. My Aunt married a Finn from Copper Harbor and, although he was second generation, he spoke with a very strong Finnish accent as his family spoke no English and he only learned when he went to school. I did not hear of the 1913-1914 Copper Strike even though my Grandfather was a staunch Union man but I had always heard about the Italian Hall tragedy. I was unaware it tied into the Strike, making it even more tragic. As interesting as the story was care should have been taken to learn the correct pronunciation of “Houghton”, “Mackinac” and “pasty”. Every mispronunciation was like fingernails on a chalkboard causing my brain to cringe and shy away from the story and me to correct out loud.

Fascinating tale about a little-known event

As both a Michigander and a fan of Mary Doria Russell, I was thrilled to see that her latest novel took place in Copper Country. Despite growing up in Michigan, I never heard or learned about the Italian Hall disaster in school as a kid. It wasn't until I was a middle-aged adult that I heard of this sad event while at John McCutcheon concert,--who is as talented a storyteller as he is a folk singer. He sang Woody Guthrie's song "1913 Massacre" and had the whole audience sobbing over an incident none of us had ever heard of! Subsequently, I had an opportunity to visit Calumet and it's outstanding museum and also toured one of the long-closed copper mines.
So...I loved this book! Like others mentioned, it was disappointing that the narrator mispronounced the city of Houghton, which is surprising because she took such pains to learn the pronunciation of all the ethnic names of the characters. Nonetheless, this is a compelling story.

Pronounciation is awful.

If you're from Houghton, Calumet, or anywhere in the Keweenaw, do not listen to this. Read it on kindle or hard copy. The pronunciation will drive you nuts. (Howton, paysties, etc.)

Compelling Story Draws Parallels to Today

This was a very good historical novel that really lays out in bare detail the struggles of immigrants in the late 19th early 20th century. Stark contrast between workers and owners. Lots if twists and a few extremely heartbreaking parts. It was an eye opening listen!